About Us

The U.S. – China Clean Energy Research Center Building Energy Efficiency Consortium (CERC-BEE) was initiated between the United States and China and formally established by protocol between the U.S. Department of Energy and Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology in 2009.

Achievements include improved energy efficiency in new and existing buildings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased indoor comfort, and reduced stress on the electric grid. CERC-BEE teams include U.S. national laboratories, U.S. and Chinese universities, research institutes, and industry partners. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory leads the U.S. participation in the program.

Shared Projects

Through more than a dozen high-visibility, cost-shared projects, we are conducting research and development on building energy efficiency (BEE) technologies and strategies in the United States and China that will be applicable worldwide. As new construction proceeds around the globe, collaborative BEE research efforts are helping to lock in the tremendous potential energy savings for the long term.

In equal amounts, U.S. funds will be used exclusively to support work conducted by U.S. institutions and individuals, and Chinese funds will support work conducted by Chinese institutions and researchers. Together the U.S. and Chinese research-industry teams:

• Focus on real world impact through the early commercialization of technologies and by developing intellectual property, software, tools, guidebooks, codes, policies, and more
• Bring new technologies to market
• Create a sustainable platform and build lasting partnerships
• Cover the whole business model by involving various stakeholders such as government, academia, and the private sector

Leadership

Secretariat

U.S. - China Joint Management Committee

• Director, Dr. Nan Zhou, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• Deputy Director, Diana E. Hun, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Founding Director and Advisor, Dr. Mark D. Levine, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• Program Manager, Carolyn Szum, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• Administrative Officer, Bonnie Cobiseno, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Fundamental Criteria

Our research and related activities are evaluated according to intellectual merit and broader impacts. The fundamental criteria below have been jointly developed and officially adopted by the U.S.-China consortium. All criteria must be addressed in new proposals and biannual technical reviews.

U.S. - China Jointly Adopted Criteria

1. Research emphasis on science, technology and innovation, with potential for IP
2. Clear potential path to implementation and commercialization of resulting knowledge or technology
3. Clear demonstration of joint US/China research collaboration
4. Clear beneficial outcomes for both countries (not one country alone)
5. Alignment of business partners from both countries participating in the CERC project
6. Significant improvement in energy efficiency in buildings with related reduction in CO₂ emissions